BWV 248I Jauchzet, frohlocket,
auf, preiset die Tage (Weihnachts-Oratorium I)
Christmas Day. Poet unknown (Picander?); PT (Leipzig, 1734); Facs: Neumann T, p. 448. 2. Lk. 2:1 and 3-6; 5. Paul Gerhardt, verse 1 of "Wie soll ich dich empfangen," 1653 (Fischer-Tümpel, III, #401); 6. Lk. 2:7; 7. Martin Luther, verse 6 of "Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ," 1524 (Wackernagel, III, #9), with interpolated recitative; 9. Martin Luther, verse 13 of "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her," 1535 (Wackernagel, III, #39). 25 December 1734, Leipzig; Parody: 1, 8 ← BWV 214/1, 7; 4← BWV 213/9. BG 5, 2; NBA II/6. 1. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Triumph, rejoicing, rise, praising these days now,
Let us the name of our ruler now honor! 2. Recit. (T) Evangelist It occurred, however, at the time that a decree from the Emperor Augustus went out that all the world should be enrolled. And everyone then went forth to be enrolled, each person unto his own city. And then as well went up Joseph from Galilee from the city of Nazareth into the land of Judea to David’s city which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and of the lineage of David to be enrolled there with Mary, who was betrothed to be his wife, and she was pregnant. And while they were in that place, there came the time for her to be delivered.3. Recit. (A) Now is my dearest bridegroom rare,Now is the prince of David’s stem As earth’s redeeming comfort Here born in time amongst us. Now will shine bright the star of Jacob, Its beam e’en now breaks forth. Rise, Zion, and abandon now thy weeping, Thy fortune soars aloft. 4. Aria (A) Prepare thyself, Zion, with tender affection, The fairest, the dearest soon midst thee to see! Thy cheeks’ beauty Must today shine much more brightly, Hasten, the bridegroom to love with deep passion. 5. Chorale (S,A,T,B) How shall I then receive thee And how thy presence find? Desire of every nation, O glory of my soul! O Jesus, Jesus, Set out for me thy torch, That all that brings thee pleasure By me be clearly known. 6. Recit. (T) Evangelist And she brought forth her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him within a manger, for they had no other room in the inn for them. 7. Chorale (S) and Recit. (B)
Which this our Savior for us keeps?
How he by mankind's woe is moved?
Whose health to him so dear is held,
8. Aria (B) Mighty Lord, O strongest sovereign,
All its pomp and grace hath fashioned, Must within the hard crib slumber. 9. Chorale (S, A, T, B) Ah my belovéd Jesus-child, © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |